Aberdeen defender Scott McKenna has signed a new, improved contract that will see him remain at Pittodrie until at least the summer of 2023.

Commenting on the news, Scott told RedTV. “It was an easy decision. It was only mentioned to me last week, so it did not take at all long to get sorted. I love being at this club, I love working with the manager, all the staff and we have a great dressing room.

“I am very settled here and now I can just focus on my football.

“Football is all about looking forward and not looking backwards. I cannot relax and need to keep working hard so I can kick on. I still have a lot to learn in the game.

“The manager has always been brilliant with me. Ever since I came in as a 16 year old. He has looked after me very well. When I play in the first team, he does not put too much pressure on me. He lets me go out and do my job.

“There is a lot to look forward to.

“There are quite a number of AFC Youth Academy players on the fringes of the first team squad so hopefully they can make the breakthrough like myself.”

Manager Derek McInnes added, “It’s fantastic news for a brilliant young man and for everyone at the club.

“Scott’s earned this improved contract through his strong performances and he’s been a pleasure to work with since day one. I’m looking forward to Scott being part of a strong and successful Aberdeen team going forward.”

A product of the AFC Youth Academy, Scott first joined Aberdeen at the age of 11. He made his first team debut in February 2016, when he came on as a substitute at St. Johnstone, winning his first start against Hearts in May the same year. The 21 year old had spells on loan at Ayr United and Alloa Athletic and has been a first team regular in the side since being handed a start against Motherwell last September. At international level, Scott has captained both the Under 19 and Under 21 sides.